STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Islanders came to the rescue of the Vitucci family after their apartment was destroyed in a fire.

Randie and John Vitucci , who now live in Sunnyside, e-mailed the Advance to thank the many Staten Islanders who provided assistance in the aftermath of the fire in February in the apartment complex where they lived at 150 Bard Ave., Livingston. The three apartments in the building were rendered uninhabitable by the fire.

The Vituccis, their son, John, a first-grader and Kaitlyn, a kindergartener, at the Michael J. Petrides School, and their two dogs, Max and Gus, escaped from the blaze without injury.

"Our family, including two young children, was suddenly without a home or any salvageable items," the couple said in an e-mail.

"Our world was truly turned upside down."

The Vituccis now have everything they need thanks to Staten Islanders who provided furniture, gift cards, money, clothes and toys. Salmon Real Estate quickly found the family a house rental.

"The school was absolutely wonderful," the couple said.

The Vituccis are grateful to the Petrides administration, staff, teachers, PTA and Soccer Club. Rich Nellis, who heads the Soccer Club, sent an e-mail about the fire to the league and sat in the gym over a weekend collecting toys and clothes for the children.

The family also expressed their gratitude for the efforts of: The staff of Susan E. Wagner High School; the Staten Island JCC; former Rep. Michael McMahon and staff; the South Shore Democratic Organization; the law firms of Sargente & McGinn and Kuharski, Levitz & Giovinazzo; Wonica Realtors; and the Spa Laundromat.

"Due to the help, what was traumatic and overwhelming became manageable," the couple said.

"As we frequently read many letters to the editor that seemingly only complain, we wanted to write to let people know how wonderful the Staten Island community is. We are lifelong residents and are truly humbled and grateful for the wonderful people living here."